NORTHWESTERN

Senior safety Bryan Heinz had surgery to repair ankle ligament damage Tuesday, but coach Pat Fitzgerald said he hopes to have him back in practice in three or four weeks. Heinz has not played this season. . . . Defensive end Corey Wootton was held out of practice but should return Wednesday, Fitzgerald said. “We don’t have an off week; we have to take an off day,” Fitzgerald said of keeping players healthy in the second half of the season. . . . Northwestern received its 14th commitment when cornerback Jordan Mabin (5 feet 11 inches, 185 pounds) from Nordonia High School in Macedonia, Ohio, picked the Wildcats over Pitt.